Exploring The Importance Of Kid's Eye Exams

Being diagnosed with cancer is a scary, overwhelming moment. You may not know what to do or where to start. You are bombarded with information from family, friends, and especially the internet. How can you make an informed decision about treatment with so much information? How do you separate facts from myths? Here are top five cancer treatment myths debunked:

1. Surgery spreads cancer

This is the most common myth about cancer treatment. Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. This myth started because doctors sometimes discover during surgery that a patient’s cancer is more extensive than they thought. Also, cancer can spread to lymph nodes just before surgery and is not caught until months later. But the procedure alone will not cause cancer to spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

2. Side effects are worse than the disease

Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation include nausea, hair loss, and frequent infections. While these effects can be severe, side effects have become much less severe than they were years ago. Also, doctors can prescribe medications to treat the side effects. Side effects of cancer treatment are also highly individual. Some people will have very severe effects, and others may only have slight nausea throughout their treatment.

3. Radiation causes hair loss

Radiation can cause hair loss at the site of therapy, but it will not cause you to lose your hair in untreated areas. This myth originates from the confusion of radiation with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can make you lose all of your hair. Radiation will only cause hair loss at the site in which your cancer occurs. For example if radiation therapy is applied to your chest, you may lose your chest hair but you will keep the hair on your head, arms, and legs.

4. An organic diet can help

Eating healthy foods can help your body get better nutrition and vitamins. Eating a healthy diet during cancer treatment can help with side effects such as weight loss and fatigue. However, there is no scientific or medical evidence that eating an organic diet prevents or treats cancer. There is also no evidence that an organic diet prevents a cancer relapse or recurrence.

5. Cancer treatment trials are only for terminal patients

There are a number of cancer trials for all patients with different stages of cancer. You don’t have to have terminal cancer to take part in a clinical study. There are even clinical trials for cancer prevention as well as treatment. Some clinical trials also test new medications that treat side effects of existing cancer treatments. Other trials follow patients for years to study cancer remission. There are trials you can take part in no matter what stage your cancer is in or what your treatment currently involves.

These are the top five cancer treatment myths. Now that you know the facts from the myths, you can make more informed decisions about your health. You can also find information by talking to a place like Rahway Regional Cancer Center.

A neurological disorder is one that affects any part of the nervous system, such as the brain, nerves, or spinal cord. Most neurological disorders are actually genetic, which means you go it from a parent or grandparent. If you have been showing symptoms of a possible neurological disorder, your doctor will probably order a series of screening tests and imaging tests. Here are some tests you might have to look for possible neurological disorders.

First Stage of Screening Tests

When you first start showing symptoms for a possible neurological disorder, your doctor will start with the basic screening tests. These can tell your doctor a lot and are easy to perform, so they are often ordered before other types of tests. They might include:

Laboratory tests – Laboratory screening tests will collect fluid or substances from your person, usually either blood or urine. They can shed light on the symptoms you are having and rule out certain diseases or medical conditions. With neurological conditions, they can tell your doctor if you have possible blood vessel damage, a hemorrhage, infection of the spinal cord, or bone marrow disease.

Genetic testing during pregnancy – If you are pregnant, your doctor can give you a few different screening tests that look for possible neurological disease in your unborn child. The first is an amniocentesis, performed near the beginning of the second trimester. It will test amniotic fluid to look for different genetic defects. A uterine ultrasound can typically find growth issues or chromosomal disorders. You can also find out the rest of neurological disorders with a test called a chorionic villus sampling.

Neurological Examination

Your doctor will also proceed with a neurological examination if they suspect a disorder or disease. The examination will look at your basic sensory skills and motor skills, including your mental status, changes in mood or behavior, coordination, balance, vision, hearing, and speech. They use different tools to perform this exam, including an ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer, flashlight, tuning fork, and needles. They can look for Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, meningitis, encephalitis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

X-rays are an imaging test that is part of a normal neurological work-up. This will look at different parts of your body, chest and skull to find any abnormalities. In addition, the doctor might use a type of x-ray called a fluoroscopy. It will use a small amount of radiation to look at how a certain body part works when it is in motion.

Additional Diagnosing Tests

There may come a point when your doctor needs to perform more diagnostic tests to find out why you are having certain neurological symptoms. These tests include:

Angiography – This looks for blockages in your veins or arteries. A special type of angiography is called a cerebral angiogram, which can look at obstructions in the blood vessels or arteries going to your brain, neck, or head. They can see vascular deformities, brain tumors, and aneurysms.

Biopsy – If your doctor thinks you have a gene that could be passed onto your children, they might perform a biopsy. They do this by taking a small amount of tissue from your body and testing it for a neuromuscular disorder and whether or not you have nerves that could be passed on.

Brain scan – A brain scan is performed if your doctor wants to see if you have a hemorrhage, blood vessel malformation, or tumor of the brain. It can also be used to look at diseases to your tissues or muscles.

One of the services that a dermatologist offers is tattoo removal. If you have considered tattoo removal for one or all of your tattoos, then there are a few things you need to know about the process. These are the three main things you need to consider prior to scheduling a tattoo removal or before your first consultation.

Ink Placement

The first misconception and consideration of tattoo removal is the ink placement. You may believe that the ink will be easy to remove, but most tattoo ink is located in the deepest level of skin known as the dermis. Since the depth of the ink is located in the dermis, it means that you may have scarring when you try to have the tattoo removed. This can leave behind a mark where the tattoo once was or, in severe situations, it may leave a large scar where the tissue was unable to heal completely.

Laser Treatments don’t Remove Everything

There is a misconception about laser technology and the removal of tattoos. Some people believe that the laser option removes the entire tattoo with nothing visible left behind. There is also the belief that laser options offer a one-time removal option. The truth is that, though laser treatment is the most commonly recommended method of tattoo removal, it does not remove the tattoo completely and it will take several treatments to have a full effect. This means that even with lasers, you will likely be left with a shadow of the tattoo or some indication that it was there.

Age of Your Tattoo

If your tattoo is fairly new, you may find that it is easier to remove than older ones you have. The reason is because tattoo ink is being developed that is designed to be targeted by laser treatment. This means that the new ink allows the laser to pick up and remove the ink easier if you decide the tattoo was a bad idea and removal is the only option. Older tattoos will not have this type of ink or may only have small areas of the new ink that was applied during a touch-up session.

There are options to remove your tattoo and to help you cover-up anything that may remain after treatment. If you have already had your tattoo removed, but you are unhappy with the results, consider discussing options with your dermatologist like the one at http://desertdermatology.net/. They can offer cover-up options, lotions, prescriptions, and other treatment options to help you with your tattoo-related issues.

With a swelling abdomen, broadening hips, and a whole list of other physical changes, pregnancy can sure take its toll on your body. If your body is a temporary housing unit for a growing fetus, it can sometimes feel like your body is no longer your own. The additional aches and pains that come with bodily changes often sends expecting mothers in search of any form of alternative treatment they can find and chiropractic care is one of them. Here are a few of the most common questions concerning visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor while you are pregnant?

Visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy is completely safe for most moms-to-be. Just make sure the professional you choose is skilled with working with pregnant women. While most are familiar with some prenatal aspects of care, it is always best to look for a doctor who specializes in the field. Some even boast specialized chiropractic care for women during pregnancy. Not only is seeing a chiropractor safe, it can help you have an easier time with your pregnancy.

Is it true that chiropractor care may make giving birth easier?

Many modern women are increasingly concerned with having a natural birth without the need for a cesarean. This leads many to the chiropractor’s office where they can ensure their spine and skeletal system stays in alignment for birth. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the gross misalignment can cause uterine constraint, making it difficult for the baby to get into the proper birthing position in some cases. A chiropractor can help by using tension-relaxing methods to ease stress on ligaments and bone structure.

What can a chiropractor do to alleviate pregnancy symptoms?

As your belly grows to support an expanding baby, your spine can curve inward. This one change in your physiology can cause a lot of aches and pains in your back, hips, and legs. A chiropractor can help to alleviate pressure in your spine with minor adjustments that will help your pain. Furthermore, headaches, nausea, and even heartburn may be something that your chiropractor can help you with. A lot of these changes in your body are hormonal, but some are due to physical changes, and this is where professional chiropractic care may be able to help you find some relief.

When it comes down to it, it is just as good of an idea to visit a chiropractor for care during pregnancy as any other time. At a time when your body is changing rapidly, it can be quite convenient to find a medical professional who an help. To learn more, visit Vanderloo Chiropractic.

Alzheimer’s is a serious and debilitating disease, one that is hard for both those afflicted and their loved ones. Because it is a psychological disease, it can be difficult to take care of someone who has it, and it can quickly become frustrating for everyone involved. Seeking professional care is a must, but you can make things a little easier by making changes to your daily routine and how you speak to your family member.

Develop Routines

A person with Alzheimer’s will need some help with his day-to-day activities. To make things a little easier, you can set up a daily schedule with similar structures every day. Base this schedule on what the person is currently capable of doing, and have him engage in tasks that he can still perform. Take a short walk, make a simple meal together or perform simple household chores. Try to make the activities the same things at the same time so he doesn’t feel disoriented.

During this time, communication is important. Even if you don’t think he understands you, try to keep him in the know by explaining what you’re doing and what your plans are. You can also help him by giving him clues he can use to figure things out for himself. For example, opening windows in the morning and turning down the lights at night can help him understand it’s time to wake up or get ready for bed.

Communicate Helpfully

Conversations can be difficult when your loved one has Alzheimer’s. When you communicate, speak slowly and clearly and in short sentences. Don’t give him too much information to process at a time. If at first he doesn’t understand you, try rephrasing what you just said a different way. Say his name often when speaking with him, and introduce yourself if there appears to be any doubt.

Keep his attention with hand gestures, facial expressions and body language, and keep friendly eye contact. Frequent smiles can help him feel comfortable.

Avoid asking him to try to remember things or point out how you just said something. When giving directions, avoid being vague. For example, instead of saying “sit over there,” say “sit in the green chair.”

Seek Professional Help

Look for elder home care services in your area. It is an additional cost, but if you have a job and family to worry about, even temporary care can help you day to day. Home care services often specialize in treating those with Alzheimer’s, and are sometimes available at all hours of the day. You can try to find someone available for a few hours every day while you’re at work, or even overnight care if you can’t be with your family member at all hours of the day. A home care service is often preferable to looking for a retirement home, even one that specializes in care for the disabled; letting your family member stay at home can help them feel much more comfortable and cheerful.

Selecting eyewear that is appropriate to the shape of your face is all about the correct balance of contrast and accentuating features. You want frames that will bring out your best features while also downplaying your less-than-ideal characteristics. The focus of this article is to help you better understand how the shape of your face dramatically impacts how well different frames contour to your face.

Round And Ovular Shapes

A round face tends to look best when fitted with glasses that are more angular and narrow. Frames with clean, conservative bridges should be the focus of your search as a symmetrical, round face needs something that is ‘off-balance’, so to speak, to really show off the curvature of your cheeks and jawline.

Oval shaped faces, on the other hand, should stick with frames that are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face. This means glasses with extremely narrow lenses (width wise) are out of the question. In terms of height, going narrow isn’t too out-of-convention, but a frame’s outermost edge should equal or exceed the width of your face.

Triangular Shapes

Triangular shaped faces basically come in two varieties, with the wide ‘base’ of the triangle at the top of the head, or inverted with the wide base towards the chin. Those whose faces are are wider at the top and more narrow at the bottom would do well to gravitate towards frames that are wider at the bottom than they are at the top. This effectively offsets the natural shape of your face for a more symmetrical appearance.

For people whose faces are narrower towards the top and broader at the bottom, opting for frames that are heavily decorated or accented on top can help create a more balanced appearance.

Oblong Shape

An oblong shaped face is longer from top to bottom than it is from side to side, and more rectangular than circular. With this type of face shape, you want to elect for frames that are slightly deeper than they are wide. This will add width to your face rather than accentuating your already long features, which shorter, wider frames would most certainly do.

While things like your personal style as well as the color of the frames can also impact the overall fit, without a doubt it is the shape of your face that most determines whether or not a pair of frames really fits. Be sure to contact professionals, such as those from Buffalo Grove Eye Care Center, for further assistance.

Cardiovascular disease is not a common health concern among young children. However, it is one of the major causes of death for adults. Fortunately, there are ways you can start early at keeping your children on the path to good heart health that will continue throughout their adult years. As long as these good health practices begin early and remain in place during adulthood, the risks of cardiovascular disease can be greatly reduced. These are some important steps to take to keep your children heart healthy.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

Only a small percent of children are diagnosed with high blood pressure each year. However, high blood pressure in a child can lead to heart problems as an adult. The blood pressure is normally tested at every visit with a physician. This is done to monitor a child’s blood pressure and make sure that no unexpected issues arise.

To keep your child’s blood pressure at a healthy level, limit the amount of salt he consumes. Teach him to choose healthy foods that have natural seasonings instead of adding large amounts of salt to his food before eating it. Also encourage your child to drink lots of water to help keep any excess salt flushed out of his young body.

Help Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

Obesity is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. If a child is obese, chances are that he may also grow up to be obese as an adult. Once your child has passed the toddler years and much of his baby fat has come off, it is very important to prevent him from becoming overweight.

Choose healthy foods for your child to eat on a daily basis. Encourage lean meats, a variety of vegetables and low sugar fruits at every meal. Limit snacks that contain a high fat or sugar content. If a child begins enjoying healthy foods at a young age, he may be less likely to take interest in consuming those cakes, cookies and candies that can pack on the extra weight fast.

Encourage Lots Of Exercise

For children and adults, one of the best ways to keep the heart healthy is to stay active. The more exercise a child gets, the healthier his heart will be. Spending at least 30 minutes a day being active keeps the heart pumping correctly, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and also helps the child maintain a healthy weight.

If your child enjoys sports, sign him up to participate in sports activities every season of the year. These activities also help keep his bones and muscles strong as well as give him a boost in self confidence. Many children who play sports continue to enjoy them as an adult, and this is a great way to begin the journey to a lifetime of good health.

It really is not hard to help your child have a heart healthy lifestyle. If you practice these same steps along with him, your heart can become much healthier as well. Contact a children cardiology center for more information.

About Me

Hey, I'm Curt Donnaly. When I was a child, I did not realize my eyesight was failing for years after my vision started to decline. I struggled to see the chalkboard and often made up excuses about why I could not complete my work. After recovering from a scratched cornea, my eye doctor decided to perform an eye exam. My doctor diagnosed me as nearsighted and immediately issued a prescription for glasses. Upon placing the glasses on my face, I was shocked to see individual blades of grass and leaves in the trees. Because of this experience, I hope to spread the word about the importance of having children's vision tested on a regular basis through this site. I will also discuss what to expect at these exams. Please come by again soon.